Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
The Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
